Gov Peter Mbah Vows to Accelerate Enugu Development

Enugu, NIGERIA — Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reaffirmed his commitment to rapid development, stressing the urgency of transforming the state to address long-standing infrastructural and socio-economic challenges.

Speaking at a Holy Mass on Monday at the Government House Chapel in Enugu, Mbah highlighted his administration’s ambitious goals for 2025, underscoring the pressing need for progress in every sector of the state.

Governor Mbah thanked the people of Enugu for their unwavering support in 2024, noting that their dedication and belief in his leadership were fundamental to the state’s achievements in the past year. However, he emphasized that there was still much more to be done, and the only way to reciprocate the people’s faith was by intensifying the ongoing development efforts. His message was clear: the pursuit of a modern, prosperous Enugu cannot wait.

“Your support and dedication to duty are largely responsible for the modest achievements we have accomplished in 2024. The only way we will continue to demonstrate our gratitude is to double down on the pursuit of our goals to make Enugu state the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and living,” Mbah declared. “But we are going to do that without leaving anyone out and not at the expense of our common humanity. We will continue to deliver inclusive governance.”

Governor Mbah, who took office amid numerous challenges, acknowledged the concerns of critics who felt his administration was moving too fast with its large-scale projects. He, however, insisted that the current pace was necessary to address the state’s urgent issues, from education to healthcare and infrastructure.

“We do know that some may be wondering whether the change that is unfolding in Enugu is sustainable and whether we are not moving too fast,” he said. “But think about it, can we really push to a later date all the critical policies and projects we are implementing today? The need for us to have portable water in every home cannot be deemed more compelling than the need for us to ensure that our children are exposed to the skill set that prepares them for the 21st-century workplace.”

The governor stressed that the state’s healthcare system, roads, industries, and transportation networks needed immediate attention and modernization. “We have to ensure that our roads are paved, devoid of potholes. We have to revive our industries. We also have to ensure that we introduce modern transportation systems. There is none of these we felt we could push to a later day,” he explained.

Governor Mbah’s vision for 2025 is one of substantial progress, with a focus on both infrastructure and human capital development. He pointed to the completion of several key projects, including the International Conference Centre and the upcoming relaunch of the Hotel Presidential. Additionally, the governor highlighted the opening of the Smart Green Schools in September and the forthcoming operationalization of the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital at Rangers.

“We are already in optimism that this year holds so much promise for us,” Mbah said. “Imagine that in a few months, by September, the doors of our Smart Green Schools will open to all the children in this state. We will also be relaunching and reopening the Hotel Presidential and expect to see the opening of a 340-bed 5-star hotel at the International Conference Centre by May. We will keep delivering the remaining 260 Primary Healthcare Centres we are building across the state.”

In a bid to strengthen the state’s healthcare sector, the governor revealed that over 2,500 medical personnel would be recruited, with 450 already hired in the first phase of the process. The primary healthcare centres, which will be built in each ward, will be fully staffed and operational 24/7, ensuring quality care at the grassroots level.

Governor Mbah also addressed the people of Enugu, urging them to continue with the same dedication and team spirit that marked their achievements in 2024. His administration’s approach to development is centered on inclusive governance, ensuring that no part of the state is left behind.

Delivering the homily during the Mass, Rev. Fr. Donatus Onuigbo commended Governor Mbah for his selfless service and his ability to drive significant development in record time. The service was attended by several top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, among others.

With a clear roadmap for 2025, Governor Mbah’s commitment to turning Enugu State into a thriving economic and social hub is evident. His administration’s focus on rapid, sustainable development, powered by both infrastructure and human capital investment, aims to make Enugu a model state in Nigeria.

As the people of Enugu look forward to the realization of these ambitious plans, the next chapter of the state’s growth appears poised for transformative success.